A Guide to Ovens and Hobs

Ovens and hobs add modern, sleek style to any kitchen and can be neatly integrated into your kitchen worktops and units. Shop our full range of ovens and hobs now.

Electric hobs heat up using different cooking rings that can range from four to six different power levels. They can take a while to warm up and cool down.

Types of hobs

Every home is incomplete without the kitchen hob, range cooker or stovetop (the latter being a complete cooking appliance in which you can roast and bake food). It is used for a variety of cooking methods, and it's crucial to select the best hob uk hob for your needs. If you're a master chef who is a fan of precision or a busy family cook seeking speed, there's a kitchen appliance to meet your requirements.

Induction and electric stoves are frameless and flat and add to the sleek design of any kitchen. They come with five or four cooking zones each independent of each other by a dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring while sautéing the sausages on a different. This is great for busy families. They also rapidly heat up and feature a an even surface that makes them easy to wipe clean. However, they can be more expensive than gas hobs and may take longer to cool down and heat down.

Gas hobs provide instant heat and permit precise control, which makes them popular amongst chefs. Gas hobs are also safe because they are equipped with safety systems for fire failures that shut off the gas supply in the event of leaks. They can be less efficient than electrical or induction hobs, and are harder to clean because of the pan supports and stove burners.

Plate hobs are the classic form of the hob and have been around for a long time. They feature a flat surface with gas or electric rings that get heated when you turn the dial. They are economical but not ideal for cooking with cast-iron and don't distribute heat across the entire surface.

Induction hobs use an electromagnetic field to directly heat your pan rather than heating the hob surface like traditional hobs. They are safer as there is no open flame. They're also simple to clean. They're also more expensive than electric or gas hobs, and take longer to heat up and cool down.

Gas hobs

Gas hobs are a popular choice for home cooks due to of their quick heating capabilities and easy control. You will typically find models that offer between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner to cook stir-fry. Some stoves have a visible indicator that tells you whether the burner is on or not.

They heat food quicker than induction or electric models, making them ideal for kitchens with a lot of activity. They are also cheaper to operate than electric hobs, assuming you use electricity from a company that generates renewable energy sources.

You can choose between built-in or freestanding gas hobs. If you are planning to renovate your kitchen, the freestanding models are more suitable because you can move them easily. However, they're difficult to install and could require hacking into your completed carpentry, which isn't suitable for all homes.

Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface that makes them much easier to clean than other types of hobs. They typically have elegant, stainless steel trims, which can be integrated into a variety of kitchen designs. Some models have control knobs that are touch-sensitive and some have a the power boost feature, which boosts the power of the burner by 50%..

Some gas hobs have an automatic flame failure safety system that stops the flow of gas when the flame ceases to burn and you're not at risk of burning yourself in the process. They are also less expensive than some electric hobs to operate, and also provide precise temperature control for various cooking techniques.

Gas hobs emit carbon dioxide when they burn. This could be a problem for eco-conscious customers. Fortunately, there are models that don't release any CO2 while they're in use. Known as "zero emission gas hobs" or eco-friendly gas hobs, they're still equipped with the usual features of a traditional gas model but emit no CO2 in operation.

Electric hobs

A popular choice for kitchens of every style electric hobs provide numerous advantages over other types of cookers. First, they tend to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs. This means less residual heat is left behind after the cookware is taken off. They also heat more evenly and are less likely to develop hot spots than certain gas models. Being electric, they also require less maintenance and are cheaper to run than gas.

Ceramic or glass electric hobs are commonly found in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, stylish appearance that is easy to clean. They are also safe to touch. Their flat surface also makes them a preferred option for families with children, as they're less likely to be scratched or smashed by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and can easily be replaced when damaged.

As opposed to traditional plate hobs which make use of coils to generate heat which is transferred to the cookware, ceramic hobs use an induction system to directly heat the pan. They can heat and cool much faster and can be used for any cookware. They're typically more expensive than electric plate hobs, but they'll save you money on energy costs over the long term because of their high efficiency and the way they convert nearly all the electrical energy into usable heat.

It is crucial to keep your ceramic or tempered glass hob regularly to avoid any issues. For example cleaning the cooktop using an anti-abrasive cleaner is recommended, as is checking and replacing faulty heating controls, and regularly clearing out the grates and burner caps. Keep an eye out for gas odours as they could indicate an issue with gas lines or leaks. If you suspect this, it's advisable to speak with a professional gas engineer to seek assistance. To avoid serious damage, always ensure that the hob is completely shut off and cooled prior to cleaning. This will also stop any accidental fires or spills!

Hobs with induction

Induction cookers are a contemporary alternative to gas and electric hobs. They use an electric field instead of the cooktop to heat the pan. This lets them heat up much more quickly than other hobs and save energy in the long run. The cooktop surface is cool to the touch, and a lot of models have safety features like automatic shutoff to prevent accidents.

The majority of induction hobs have a glass or ceramic top and are powered by an alternating current, which creates the magnetic field to heat. A pan that is compatible with induction must be flat on the bottom and an iron or steel core. The magnetic field is only activated when the pan is placed on the cooking zone. Most hobs feature a "bridging zone" that can join two zones together to accommodate larger pans.

Induction hobs and ovens are renowned for efficiency. Many report an improvement in their energy usage when they change to one. Induction hobs are also considered to be safer since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch and decreases the risk for burns. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them safer for children than gas or electric hobs which can become extremely hot and create a burn hazard.

Most induction hobs have different control options. The most basic one is a simple touch bar/power bar at the top of the hob. Others have an entire display that shows all the options, and lets you easily adjust the power levels as well as set timers. The more advanced models of induction hobs include numerous small copper coils that are tightly connected beneath the cooktop, and the magnet underneath each one will detect when you place your pan. The coil is activated when it is appropriate for the pan size and shape.

All of our best ovens and hobs and hobs are available as freestanding models or easily integrated into your kitchen's worktops and units for a an elegant, seamless look. Our complete range includes everything from sleek black and stainless-steel finishes to fashionable copper and ceramic. Take a look at our other appliances, including dishwashers refrigerator freezers and washing machines to make your kitchen run smoothly.